National prostate cancer campaign – a first for NZ

27 November 2013
Media Statement
National prostate cancer campaign – a
first for NZ

Men and their families now have
information resources to help them talk more confidently
with their GP about prostate cancer.

“These resources
are the first part of a $4.3 million programme to raise
awareness of prostate cancer and ensure all men have access
to quality information and care,” says Health Minister
Tony Ryall.

“This is the first time a New Zealand
government has had such a focus on prostate cancer awareness
and ensuring men can easily access the latest evidence based
information. The resources include leaflets, detailed
booklets and posters about the risks and benefits of
prostate cancer tests and treatment.

“One of the
resources is a leaflet which includes a checklist to help
men decide if they need a prostate check. It asks nine
simple yes or no questions, to get men thinking about their
prostate health,” said Mr Ryall.

Mr Ryall visited
Capital Care Health Centre in Wellington today, and talked
to doctors, including local GP Dr Samantha Murton, about the
new prostate cancer resources.

The resources are based on
the recommendations of the Prostate Cancer Taskforce, a
group of clinical specialists and expert advisors chaired by
Wellington urologist Professor John Nacey. They have been
developed with input from consumers, GPs, specialist
clinicians and other healthcare professionals.

“There
has been a great deal of conflicting information about
prostate cancer tests and treatments which has been
confusing for men and their doctors,” says Professor
Nacey.

“These resources will provide clear and balanced
information so men can talk to their GPs about all the
available options and make decisions that are right for
them.

“We also know that many GPs want more support and
guidance around who to test for prostate cancer, who not to
test, and who to refer to a specialist. A range of clinical
resources are being developed for health professionals to
help achieve greater consistency in the advice men
receive.

“Next year a group of clinicians and experts,
including GPs and nurses, will oversee the development of
guidelines and standards so men have equal access to
specialist services for assessing and treating prostate
cancer. The standards will help enhance early detection
while limiting the harms and complications that can be
caused by unnecessary treatment.

“A quick reference
chart will be developed to guide GPs, and a decision aid
will help men and their doctors agree on what action to
take. Electronic prompts in patient management systems will
remind doctors to talk to their patients about prostate
cancer.

“New Zealand is one of the first countries in
the world to develop a comprehensive national prostate
cancer programme. Over time, this work will lead to better
survival rates for men,” said Professor Nacey.

Prostate
cancer is the most common cancer in men in New Zealand –
each year around 3000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer
and the disease kills around 600 men annually.

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